How Do You Get Rid of the Appearance of Wrinkles?
Key takeaways:
Establishing a consistent skin care routine is crucial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Sun exposure is a major contributor to premature aging and the development of wrinkles, so it’s important to wear sunscreen.
Staying hydrated and following a balanced diet may also boost the appearance of your skin.
Micah Lambeth had bad acne growing up. She visited her first dermatologist when she was 7. She was paying attention to her skin’s needs long before she had a single wrinkle or gray hair.
As a teenager, Micah took “every topical and every ingestible” acne medication available, to no avail, she says. Accutane — a brand-name version of isotretinoin that’s no longer available — cleared up her skin, but it also made it more dry.
“For many people, [Accutane] is the gateway for getting into skin care,” says Micah, who’s now 25 and is an assistant product designer for a tech company that reviews skin care products on Instagram and TikTok. “That’s how it started for me.”
Today, Micah has a face care routine designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles — even though wrinkles are more of an issue for people twice her age. Her advice is that it’s never too early to start caring for your skin.
A head start to aging gracefully
Micah, who lives in Durham, North Carolina, still deals with acne, but her twice-daily skin care routine mitigates it. “Routine” is the key word there, she notes. Micah says even the most expensive and clinically proven products won’t work if they’re not used regularly.
“There are no quick fixes,” she says. “A lot of people aren’t willing to put the time in.”
In the morning, her process can take less than 5 minutes. She usually starts with micellar water, followed by a toner. After that, she adds a dark spot reduction serum, eye cream, and, of course, sunblock.
She’s also a big fan of gua sha, the traditional Chinese practice of using a tool to scrape the face. It’s effective “especially in the morning for reducing puffiness and boosting circulation,” she says.
Her evening process is more involved. She removes her makeup with an oil-based or a water-based cleanser. When her skin is dry, she applies Altreno, a prescription-only retinoid also known as tretinoin or Retin-A, and allows it to sit for 15 minutes. She follows that with collagen serum and eye cream. She also uses a polishing peel and face masks as needed.
Micah knows some people will ignore skin care advice from a 25-year-old. But she says she’s just getting a head start on aging gracefully.
“I hope when I’m older I look like myself, but with more experience,” she says.
A case for cosmetic Botox
New York City dermatologist Cameron Rohksar, MD, says the regular use of Botox or a similar product is the best way to fight aging.
“The constant motion of muscles in the upper half of the face is what allows those lines to become etched in your skin. By relaxing those muscles, you prevent them from getting etched,” the 45-year-old doctor says. “It has an immediate effect, and it helps in terms of prevention, too.”
Botox injections are “something you need three or four times a year,” Cameron says. “It makes you feel better, it makes you look better, and it’s not a big time commitment.”
He realizes that not everyone is comfortable with the idea of injecting a toxin into their faces or having a laser aimed at their heads. And others may find the cost prohibitive. (In 2020, the average cost of a single Botox treatment was $466.) But he says sunscreen and a skin care routine can go a long way in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
“Buy sound products from legitimate sources and don’t worry about the hype on Instagram or from social influencers,” he says. “You’ll get a better recommendation from a dermatologist than from a Kardashian.”
It’s never too late to start a skin care routine
It’s never too early —– or too late — to develop a healthy skin care routine, says dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. She began a wrinkle-fighting routine in her late 20s. And now she prioritizes sunscreen, hydration, and a balanced diet.
“It’s crucial to start early with preventative measures, as it can be challenging to reverse signs of aging once they’ve already appeared,” says Anna, who is 37 and lives in Miami. But “for those who ignored skin care and are now in their 40s, it’s not a lost cause.”
Anna’s morning routine begins with a gentle cleanser, and then she moves on to a vitamin C serum with antioxidant properties. She follows that with moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen.
“Sunblock is paramount,” she says. “A vast majority of premature skin aging is caused by sun exposure. It’s not just about preventing sunburn. It’s about protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can lead to wrinkles and skin cancer.”
At night, Anna again uses a mild cleanser and follows that with a retinoid product to promote cell turnover and collagen production. That’s topped with a hydrating night cream.
“My favorite products have [ingredients] backed by scientific research, such as retinol and hyaluronic acid,” she says, adding that those products don’t need to break the bank.
“While high-quality, science-backed products often come with a higher price tag, there are many affordable options that can still deliver results. It’s more about the ingredients and how you use them than the price tag,” she says. “Many drug store brands offer products with retinol and vitamin C.”
Some of Anna’s clients want more invasive or expensive measures, such as pulsed light therapy, injectables, and laser treatments. She doesn’t discourage those but notes a balanced approach to skin care is best.
Those treatments, she says, “can all be effective when used correctly, but there are no replacements for a consistent, quality skin care routine,” she says. “They should be seen as enhancements to your regimen, not the foundation.”
She also says people shouldn’t be upset if a treatment doesn’t work for them.
“It’s essential to understand that skin care is personal,” she says. “What works for one person might not work for another.”
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